Abstract: An automated modular vehicle configuration system and method that comprises a Configuration Management Unit in the vehicle that detects assemblies attached to the vehicle and configures the vehicle's autopilot based on the detected assemblies. Each attached assembly comprises mechanical and electrical components, ports and a memory device that contains identification information and data related to the assembly, such as assembly type, propulsion type, position, flight time, manufacturing date. Users can swap assemblies on the vehicle in order to provide different features to the vehicle. In particular this invention relates to drone vehicles that can be configured with different types of propulsion systems with different performance profiles and equipment such as gimbals, cameras, landing gear, measurement payloads and such. The invention also automatically downloads vehicle configuration parameters and autopilot firmware updates.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 20, 2021
Date of Patent:
May 14, 2024
Assignee:
Watts Innovations, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian Watts, Caleb Pinckney, Thomas Charles Lauzon, Jacob Dahl, Graham Newton
Abstract: An automated modular vehicle configuration system and method that comprises a Configuration Management Unit in the vehicle that detects assemblies attached to the vehicle and configures the vehicle's autopilot based on the detected assemblies. Each attached assembly comprises mechanical and electrical components, ports and a memory device that contains identification information and data related to the assembly, such as assembly type, propulsion type, position, flight time, manufacturing date. Users can swap assemblies on the vehicle in order to provide different features to the vehicle. In particular this invention relates to drone vehicles that can be configured with different types of propulsion systems with different performance profiles and equipment such as gimbals, cameras, landing gear, measurement payloads and such. The invention also automatically downloads vehicle configuration parameters and autopilot firmware updates.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 20, 2021
Publication date:
November 24, 2022
Applicant:
Watts Innovations
Inventors:
Brian Watts, Caleb Pinckney, Thomas Charles Lauzon, Jacob Dahl, Graham Newton